Cure for Stockholm’s Traffic Syndrome

On January 3rd, Stockholm, Sweden became the latest major world city to begin managing and controlling motor vehicle traffic with congestion charging, an automated system that charges motorists a fee to drive into the most gridlocked sections of the city center. The fee varies depending on the time of day and level of traffic congestion.

"The widescale opposition to Stockholm’s congestion charge appears to have evaporated. According to a new poll carried out by Sifo on behalf of the Green Party, 62% of Stockholm residents are planning to vote to keep the charge in the autumn referendum… Opinion has shifted in favour of the charge since the trial has shown it to have a positive effect on traffic levels."

According to one newspaper poll, 80% of Stockholm residents opposed congestion pricing before its implementation. A March 10 survey showed that 44% were in favor of congestion charging and 47% were against. In September Stockholm voters will go to the polls for a referendum on whether or not to keep the congestion charge.